EP3011577A2 - Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers - Google Patents

Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers

Info

Publication number
EP3011577A2
EP3011577A2 EP14730394.5A EP14730394A EP3011577A2 EP 3011577 A2 EP3011577 A2 EP 3011577A2 EP 14730394 A EP14730394 A EP 14730394A EP 3011577 A2 EP3011577 A2 EP 3011577A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shaft
inches
notches
cam
notch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14730394.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3011577B1 (en
Inventor
Yuri Spitsberg
Perry Robert Gibson
David Parks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eaton Corp
Original Assignee
Eaton Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Corp filed Critical Eaton Corp
Publication of EP3011577A2 publication Critical patent/EP3011577A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3011577B1 publication Critical patent/EP3011577B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/08—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
    • F16H25/14—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion with reciprocation perpendicular to the axis of rotation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
    • F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/08—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
    • H01H3/3005—Charging means
    • H01H3/3015—Charging means using cam devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/02—Housings; Casings; Bases; Mountings
    • H01H71/0207—Mounting or assembling the different parts of the circuit breaker
    • H01H2071/0242—Assembling parts of a circuit breaker by using snap mounting techniques
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/21—Elements
    • Y10T74/2101—Cams
    • Y10T74/2102—Adjustable

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to shaft assemblies particularly suitable for circuit breakers.
  • Circuit breakers are one of a variety of overcurrent protection devices used for circuit protection and isolation.
  • the circuit breaker provides electrical protection whenever an electric abnormality occurs.
  • current enters the system from a power line and passes through a line conductor to a stationary contact fixed on the line conductor, then to a movable contact.
  • the movable contact can be fixedly attached to a pivoting arm. As long as the stationary and movable contacts are in physical contact, current passes from the stationary contact to the movable contact and out of the circuit breaker to down line electrical devices.
  • the circuit breaker 10 includes a stationary contact 30, a moveable arm 35, and a mechanism assembly 10m with a cam assembly 100 that includes a "C" that communicates with a cam follower 50. Because the movable contact 35c is fixedly attached to the rotating arm 35, the arm 35 pivots and physically separates the stationary 30 and movable contacts 35c, thus tripping the circuit. Upon separation of the contacts and blowing open the circuit, an arcing condition occurs. The breaker's trip unit will trip the breaker which will cause the contacts to separate.
  • an overcurrent condition e.g., a short circuit
  • FIGs 2 A and 2B illustrate an example of the mechanism assembly 10m with the cam assembly 100.
  • the cam assembly 100 holds the components on the shaft 101 via rivets.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are directed to circuit breakers with cam assemblies that include self-locking retaining rings that cooperate with a shaft.
  • Embodiments of the invention are directed to cam assemblies for circuit breakers.
  • the cam assemblies include: (a) a shaft comprising at least one notch; (b) a cam held on the shaft; and (c) at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages a respective one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in position on the shaft.
  • the cam assembly may also include a hub held on the shaft longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one notch.
  • the cam can be locked in an axial position on the shaft between the hub and locking ring.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of closely spaced
  • the cam can include a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact on the shaft using the at least one locking ring.
  • the cam assembly can be in combination with a circuit breaker having a housing with the cam assembly held inside the housing.
  • the shaft and cam can be non- ferromagnetic cast metal or metal alloy components.
  • the at least one notch can include at least one circumferentially extending notch that is discontinuous about a perimeter of the shaft with opposing perimeter portions of a respective notch being separated by at least one flat segment.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter residing therebetween.
  • the notches can have a substantially constant width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of notches with a depth of about
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending notches with a respective substantially constant width and with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than a diameter or diameters of the notches residing therebetween.
  • the wall segments can have a respective width that is less than the width of the notches.
  • the wall segments can have a respective width that is the same as the width of the notches.
  • the wall segments can have a respective width that is greater than the width of the notches.
  • the at least one locking ring can engage the shaft to define an axial pull off force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit breaker.
  • the cam assembly includes a shaft with at least one notch; a cam held on the shaft; and at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages a respective one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in position on the shaft.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of closely spaced
  • the cam can include a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact at a defined axial location on the shaft using the at least one locking ring.
  • the shaft and cam can be non-ferromagnetic cast metal or metal alloy components.
  • the at least one notch can include a plurality of notches that are discontinuous in a circumferential direction with opposing perimeter portions separated by at least one flat segment.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween.
  • the notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
  • the shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart circumferentially extending external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween.
  • the notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
  • the assemblies can include at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
  • the at least one notch can be a plurality of notches with a depth of about
  • Figure 1 is a side partial cutaway view of an exemplary prior art circuit breaker.
  • Figure 2A is a front, side partial cutaway perspective view of a prior art mechanism assembly used in a circuit breaker.
  • Figure 2B is a rear perspective view of a mechanism assembly.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged partial side perspective view of a cam assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is an end view of the cam assembly shown in Figure 3 according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the cam assembly shown in Figure
  • Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cam assembly shown in Figure 3.
  • Figure 7 is a side view of the cam assembly shown i Figure 3.
  • Figure 8A is an enlarged view of a portion of a cam shaft suitable for use in the cam assembly of Figure 3 according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 8B is a table of exemplary dimensions and associated axial pull off forces (pounds) according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is an exemplary circuit breaker that can include the cam assembly shown in Figure 3 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
  • upper and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • non-ferromagnetic means that the noted component is substantially free of ferromagnetic materials so as to be suitable for use in the arc chamber (non-disruptive to the magnetic circuit) as will be known to those of skill in the art.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a circuit breaker 10 with a housing lOh.
  • the circuit breaker 10 includes at least one arc chamber 11 having an arc chute 25 with arc plates, a mechanism assembly 10m with a rotating arm 35 with a contact 35c (e.g., a "contact arm”) and a line conductor assembly comprising a stationary contact 30.
  • the arc plates can be stacked and are typically configured as closely spaced plates as shown.
  • the circuit breaker 10 also includes a cam assembly 100 with a cam C.
  • the cam assembly 100 is typically part of the mechanism assembly 10m as shown in Figures 2 A and 2B.
  • the circuit breaker 10 also includes a cam follower 50 that cooperates with the cam C and may optionally include a crossbar 60.
  • the cam follower 50 can reside in a channel of the crossbar over a spring 62 or other biasing member, allowing the cam follower 50 to travel up and down a distance while a lower post 53 is retained in the channel.
  • the invention is not limited to this circuit breaker configuration and other cam and cam follower
  • the cam C and cam follower 50 can comprise non-ferromagnetic electrically conductive material.
  • the circuit breaker 10 has a housing lOh and mechanism assembly 10m had a cam assembly 100 that was assembled using rivets.
  • the housing lOh can have a front 101 and an interior compartment for holding the mechanism assembly 10m.
  • the riveted configuration can require relatively tight tolerances and/or may result in a relatively low axial pull out force for components held on the shaft 110.
  • FIGs 3-7 illustrate one embodiment of a new cam assembly 100 that can be used in the circuit breaker 10 and, more particularly, in the mechanism assembly 10 in such as the one shown in Figure 2B, for example.
  • the cam assembly 100 includes a shaft 110 with at least one notch 112, typically a series of closely spaced notches 112, that cooperate with at least one self-locking retaining ring 120, typically only requiring a single ring 120.
  • the shaft 110 holds the cam C.
  • the cam C may comprise with multiple cooperating cam components, shown as three mutable components, 130, 132, 134. However, the cam C can be provided as a single component, two components or more than three components.
  • the matable components can include aligned apertures 138 sized and configured to snugly receive the shaft 110.
  • the apertures 138 can include a shaped segment, which may comprise a flat segment 138f for proper alignment.
  • the cam assembly 100 can include the shaft 110 with the at least one notch 112, a multiple component cam C held by the shaft 110, and the at least one ring 120.
  • the ring 120 includes circumferentially spaced apart, radially inwardly extending fingers 121 that engage a notch 112 (recess) in the shaft 110.
  • the ring 120 can engage different ones of the notches 112 while providing a tight locking engagement with a large axial pull off force.
  • the use of at least one notch 112 with the self-locking ring 120 can provide a 10X increase in axial retention, e.g., in pull out force over a corresponding constant diameter shaft.
  • the shaft 110 with the at least one notch 112 can have a pull out force that is between about 100 lb f to about 1000 lbf (axially), more typically between about 200 lb f and 800 lb f , such as between about 300 lbf and 600 lb f while allowing flexibility in and/or immunity to different stack up dimensions for the components.
  • This assembly configuration allows for any number of stamped and/or cast parts to be assembled onto a shaft 110 and secured using a self-locking ring 120.
  • the assembly configuration does not require precision machined components and is stack-up tolerance friendly so as to be able to accommodate a larger dimensional tolerance associated with multiple assembly configurations.
  • the shaft configuration is discussed primarily for a cam assembly 100, it can be used for other assemblies having a shaft that holds multiple components, typically multiple cooperating components, and can allow for different more cost effective components, such as cast and stamped components, with a greater tolerance range in part thickness.
  • the shaft 110 can also include a hub 115 that is axially spaced apart from the at least one notch 112 to form an end stop for the cam C to define the desired axial position of the cam C on the shaft 110 between the notch(es) 112 and the hub 115.
  • the hub 115 can be an integral feature of the shaft or may be provided by an attached member which can be threaded, welded, frictionally engaged and/or welded.
  • another set of notches spaced apart from the first set of notches 112 can be provided with another at least one locking ring to form the end stop (not shown) without requiring the hub 115 or for locking engagement of the hub 115.
  • the shaft 110 can include at least one external, longitudinally extending flat surface 1 Of, typically two symmetrically opposing flat surfaces llOf, that can extend through the notches 112.
  • the notches 112 are discontinuous about a perimeter of the shaft with opposing perimeter portions of respective notches separated by at least one flat segment 11 Of.
  • the components of the cam C can be assembled together via spaced apart longitudinally extending pins 137, at least one residing on opposite sides of the shaft aperture 138. Although shown as two pins 137, a single pin or more than two pins can be used. In other embodiments, other attachment members or configurations can be used. Additional parts such as a bearing or bearings can be installed between cam components, e.g., components 130, 132 to perform additional cam functions, for example.
  • the shaft 110 and/or cam C can comprise a cast or stamped metal, powder metal and/or metal alloy with a suitable hardness.
  • the shaft 110 is die cast metal with an integral hub 115 and integrally cast notches 112.
  • the notches 112 can be formed after casting or stamping.
  • the shaft 110 and/or cam C can comprise a non- ferromagnetic material.
  • Figure 8A illustrates an enlarged view of an end portion of the shaft 110 to illustrate that the shaft 110 can have a series of tightly spaced apart notches 112 of the same size or various sizes and spacing, typically at least two notches 112 within about 0.025 inches of each other.
  • notch centerlines can reside within a distance "x" of each other, typically within about 0.050 inches of each other.
  • the distance "x" can be less than or greater than 0.050 inches, including about 0.010 inches, about 0.015 inches, about 0.020 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.030 inches, about 0.035 inches, about 0.040 inches, about 0.045 inches and the like, depending on stack up tolerances allowed and degree of snugly locking engagement to prevent axial movement desired. The tighter or closer the spacing between notches, the tighter the tolerance resolution.
  • the shaft 110 can be configured so that 0B- 0A is between about 0.005 to about 0.020 inches, such as about 0.005 inches, about 0.010 inches, about 0.015 inches and about 0.020 inches.
  • the outer wall segment diameter 0B can be the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 110 at a location adjacent the notched segment llOn. In other embodiments, the outer wall segment diameter 0B can be greater or even less than the outer wall diameter of the shaft at a location away from the notched zone.
  • the outer wall segment 113 can project a distance "c" beyond an adjacent notch outer wall surface.
  • the distance "c" (or “groove or notch height”) can vary or be the same and is typically between about 0.001 to about 0.010 inches, such as about 0.002, about 0.003, about 0.004, about 0.005, about 0.006, about 0.007, about 0.008, about 0.009 and about 0.010 inches (average), for example. In some embodiments, the distance "c" is about 0.005 inches.
  • the locking ring 120 can have an inner diameter defined by the innermost free ends that together define the inner diameter of the ring which is sized less than the outer diameter 0B so that the fingers 121 can flex to reside inside a notch 112 while locking against axial movement using the ledge formed by the adjacent outer wall segment 113.
  • the ring 120 can have a solid outer diameter segment and the fingers 121 can extend freely (e.g., have an inwardly facing free end) to provide a desired locking engagement with a respective notch 112.
  • the locking ring can have various outer diameters and can have an inner diameter that is dictated by the size of the cooperating shaft to define an interior edge of the inner free end of the fingers 121.
  • An exemplary self-locking external retaining ring is available from McMaster-Carr® under part number 98430A152 and provides exemplary dimensions.
  • notches 112 other numbers of notches may be used such as between 1 -100 notches 112, or between 5-50 notches 112, for example.
  • one notch or more than one notch including, for example, two, three, four, five or six notches or more than six notches may be used, e.g., 6- 10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and the like.
  • Each notch 112 can be spaced apart and separated by pairs of outer protruding wall segments 113.
  • the outer wall segments 113 can have the same width "D" or different widths and the same outer diameter 0B or different outer diameters 0B.
  • the notches 112 can have the same width E and the same diameter 0A or different widths E with the same diameters 0A or different widths E and different diameters 0A.
  • Figure 8B is a table illustrating different dimensions and associated pull off forces (pounds/lbs) measured.
  • the notched configuration with the single locking ring 120 provided about a 10X increase in pull out forces over an un-notched shaft of diameters of about 0.875 inches, 0.880 inches and 0.885 inches.
  • the maximum measured pull-off force was obtained using sample 9 with the noted dimensions.
  • the circuit breakers 10 can be DC circuit breakers,
  • the 10 with the cam assembly 100 with the new shaft 110 and self-locking ring 120 can be an low voltage air circuit breaker such as a MAGNUM low voltage air circuit breaker or a medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker such as the MinivacTM breaker, both are from Eaton Corporation.
  • a low voltage air circuit breaker such as a MAGNUM low voltage air circuit breaker or a medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker such as the MinivacTM breaker, both are from Eaton Corporation.
  • the circuit breakers 10 can be rated for voltages between about 1 V to about 5000 volts (V) DC and/or may have current ratings from about 15 to about 2,500 Amperes (A). However, it is contemplated that the circuit breakers 10 and components thereof can be used for any voltage, current ranges and are not limited to any particular application as the circuit breakers can be used for a broad range of different uses.
  • the circuit breakers 10 can be a bi-directional direct current (DC) molded case circuit breaker (MCCB). See, e.g., US Patent Nos. 5, 131,504 and 8,222,983, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.
  • DC MCCBs can be suitable for many uses such as data center, photovoltaic, and electric vehicles applications.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
  • Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Shaft assemblies include an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing there between and at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 1bf to about 1000 lbf. The notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.

Description

SHAFT ASSEMBLIES SUITABLE FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND RELATED
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent
Application Serial Number 13/923,653, filed June 21 , 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to shaft assemblies particularly suitable for circuit breakers.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Circuit breakers are one of a variety of overcurrent protection devices used for circuit protection and isolation. The circuit breaker provides electrical protection whenever an electric abnormality occurs. In a circuit breaker, current enters the system from a power line and passes through a line conductor to a stationary contact fixed on the line conductor, then to a movable contact. The movable contact can be fixedly attached to a pivoting arm. As long as the stationary and movable contacts are in physical contact, current passes from the stationary contact to the movable contact and out of the circuit breaker to down line electrical devices.
[0004] In the event of an overcurrent condition (e.g., a short circuit), extremely high electromagnetic forces can be generated. The electromagnetic forces repel the movable contact away from the stationary contact. As shown by an example of a prior art circuit breaker in Figure 1, the circuit breaker 10 includes a stationary contact 30, a moveable arm 35, and a mechanism assembly 10m with a cam assembly 100 that includes a "C" that communicates with a cam follower 50. Because the movable contact 35c is fixedly attached to the rotating arm 35, the arm 35 pivots and physically separates the stationary 30 and movable contacts 35c, thus tripping the circuit. Upon separation of the contacts and blowing open the circuit, an arcing condition occurs. The breaker's trip unit will trip the breaker which will cause the contacts to separate.
[0005] Figures 2 A and 2B illustrate an example of the mechanism assembly 10m with the cam assembly 100. Conventionally, the cam assembly 100 holds the components on the shaft 101 via rivets.
Summary of Embodiments of the I nvention
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to circuit breakers with cam assemblies that include self-locking retaining rings that cooperate with a shaft.
[0007] Embodiments of the invention are directed to cam assemblies for circuit breakers. The cam assemblies include: (a) a shaft comprising at least one notch; (b) a cam held on the shaft; and (c) at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages a respective one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in position on the shaft.
[0008] The cam assembly may also include a hub held on the shaft longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one notch. The cam can be locked in an axial position on the shaft between the hub and locking ring.
[0009] The at least one notch can be a plurality of closely spaced
circumferentially extending notches with centerlines of adjacent notches spaced between about 0.001 inches to about 0.020 inches apart.
[0010] The cam can include a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact on the shaft using the at least one locking ring.
[0011] The cam assembly can be in combination with a circuit breaker having a housing with the cam assembly held inside the housing. The shaft and cam can be non- ferromagnetic cast metal or metal alloy components.
[0012] The at least one notch can include at least one circumferentially extending notch that is discontinuous about a perimeter of the shaft with opposing perimeter portions of a respective notch being separated by at least one flat segment.
[0013] The at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter residing therebetween. The notches can have a substantially constant width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
[0014] The at least one notch can be a plurality of notches with a depth of about
0.005 inches, average, and a substantially constant width (in an axial direction) that is between about 0.010 inches and about 0.015 inches, average.
[0015] The at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending notches with a respective substantially constant width and with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than a diameter or diameters of the notches residing therebetween.
[0016] The wall segments can have a respective width that is less than the width of the notches.
[0017] The wall segments can have a respective width that is the same as the width of the notches.
[0018] The wall segments can have a respective width that is greater than the width of the notches.
[0019] The at least one locking ring can engage the shaft to define an axial pull off force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
[0020] Other embodiments are directed to a mechanism assembly for circuit breaker. The assembly includes a cam assembly and a rotating contact arm in
communication with the cam assembly. The cam assembly includes a shaft with at least one notch; a cam held on the shaft; and at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages a respective one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in position on the shaft.
[0021] The at least one notch can be a plurality of closely spaced
circumferentially extending notches with centerlines of adjacent notches spaced between about 0.001 inches to about 0.020 inches apart.
[0022] The cam can include a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact at a defined axial location on the shaft using the at least one locking ring.
[0023] The shaft and cam can be non-ferromagnetic cast metal or metal alloy components. [0024] The at least one notch can include a plurality of notches that are discontinuous in a circumferential direction with opposing perimeter portions separated by at least one flat segment.
[0025] The at least one notch can be a plurality of spaced apart notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween. The notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
[0026] Still other embodiments are directed to a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart circumferentially extending external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween. The notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average. The assemblies can include at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
[0027] The at least one notch can be a plurality of notches with a depth of about
0.005 inches, average, and a width between about 0.010 inches and about 0.015 inches, average.
[0028] Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.
[0029] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0030] Figure 1 is a side partial cutaway view of an exemplary prior art circuit breaker.
[0031] Figure 2A is a front, side partial cutaway perspective view of a prior art mechanism assembly used in a circuit breaker.
[0032] Figure 2B is a rear perspective view of a mechanism assembly.
[0033] Figure 3 is an enlarged partial side perspective view of a cam assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 4 is an end view of the cam assembly shown in Figure 3 according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the cam assembly shown in Figure
4.
[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cam assembly shown in Figure 3.
[0037] Figure 7 is a side view of the cam assembly shown i Figure 3.
[0038] Figure 8A is an enlarged view of a portion of a cam shaft suitable for use in the cam assembly of Figure 3 according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 8B is a table of exemplary dimensions and associated axial pull off forces (pounds) according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 9 is an exemplary circuit breaker that can include the cam assembly shown in Figure 3 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
[0041] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements and different embodiments of like elements can be designated using a different number of superscript indicator apostrophes (e.g., 40, 40', 40", 40"*). [0042] In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0043] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0044] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above",
"upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0045] The term "about" refers to numbers in a range of +/-20% of the noted value.
[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0047] The term "non-ferromagnetic" means that the noted component is substantially free of ferromagnetic materials so as to be suitable for use in the arc chamber (non-disruptive to the magnetic circuit) as will be known to those of skill in the art.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0049] The term "self-retaining" with respect to a locking ring means that the locking ring engages a shaft to lock into axial position and requires no other component.
[0050] Turning now to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates a circuit breaker 10 with a housing lOh. As is well known, in the housing lOh, the circuit breaker 10 includes at least one arc chamber 11 having an arc chute 25 with arc plates, a mechanism assembly 10m with a rotating arm 35 with a contact 35c (e.g., a "contact arm") and a line conductor assembly comprising a stationary contact 30. The arc plates can be stacked and are typically configured as closely spaced plates as shown.
[0051] The circuit breaker 10 also includes a cam assembly 100 with a cam C.
The cam assembly 100 is typically part of the mechanism assembly 10m as shown in Figures 2 A and 2B.
[0052] Referring again to Figure 1, the circuit breaker 10 also includes a cam follower 50 that cooperates with the cam C and may optionally include a crossbar 60. The cam follower 50 can reside in a channel of the crossbar over a spring 62 or other biasing member, allowing the cam follower 50 to travel up and down a distance while a lower post 53 is retained in the channel. However, it is noted that the invention is not limited to this circuit breaker configuration and other cam and cam follower
configurations may be used.
[0053] The cam C and cam follower 50 can comprise non-ferromagnetic electrically conductive material.
[0054] Conventionally, as shown in Figures 2 A and 2B, the circuit breaker 10 has a housing lOh and mechanism assembly 10m had a cam assembly 100 that was assembled using rivets. The housing lOh can have a front 101 and an interior compartment for holding the mechanism assembly 10m. The riveted configuration can require relatively tight tolerances and/or may result in a relatively low axial pull out force for components held on the shaft 110.
[0055] Figures 3-7 illustrate one embodiment of a new cam assembly 100 that can be used in the circuit breaker 10 and, more particularly, in the mechanism assembly 10 in such as the one shown in Figure 2B, for example. The cam assembly 100 includes a shaft 110 with at least one notch 112, typically a series of closely spaced notches 112, that cooperate with at least one self-locking retaining ring 120, typically only requiring a single ring 120. The shaft 110 holds the cam C.
[0056] The cam C may comprise with multiple cooperating cam components, shown as three mutable components, 130, 132, 134. However, the cam C can be provided as a single component, two components or more than three components. The matable components can include aligned apertures 138 sized and configured to snugly receive the shaft 110. The apertures 138 can include a shaped segment, which may comprise a flat segment 138f for proper alignment.
[0057] Referring to Figure 6, the cam assembly 100 can include the shaft 110 with the at least one notch 112, a multiple component cam C held by the shaft 110, and the at least one ring 120. The ring 120 includes circumferentially spaced apart, radially inwardly extending fingers 121 that engage a notch 112 (recess) in the shaft 110.
Depending on the assembled width of the components, the ring 120 can engage different ones of the notches 112 while providing a tight locking engagement with a large axial pull off force. The use of at least one notch 112 with the self-locking ring 120 can provide a 10X increase in axial retention, e.g., in pull out force over a corresponding constant diameter shaft. [0058] In some embodiments, the shaft 110 with the at least one notch 112 can have a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf (axially), more typically between about 200 lbf and 800 lbf, such as between about 300 lbf and 600 lbf while allowing flexibility in and/or immunity to different stack up dimensions for the components.
[0059] This assembly configuration allows for any number of stamped and/or cast parts to be assembled onto a shaft 110 and secured using a self-locking ring 120.
Advantageously, the assembly configuration does not require precision machined components and is stack-up tolerance friendly so as to be able to accommodate a larger dimensional tolerance associated with multiple assembly configurations. Thus, while the shaft configuration is discussed primarily for a cam assembly 100, it can be used for other assemblies having a shaft that holds multiple components, typically multiple cooperating components, and can allow for different more cost effective components, such as cast and stamped components, with a greater tolerance range in part thickness.
[0060] The shaft 110 can also include a hub 115 that is axially spaced apart from the at least one notch 112 to form an end stop for the cam C to define the desired axial position of the cam C on the shaft 110 between the notch(es) 112 and the hub 115. The hub 115 can be an integral feature of the shaft or may be provided by an attached member which can be threaded, welded, frictionally engaged and/or welded. In yet another embodiment, another set of notches spaced apart from the first set of notches 112 can be provided with another at least one locking ring to form the end stop (not shown) without requiring the hub 115 or for locking engagement of the hub 115.
[0061] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, for example, the shaft 110 can include at least one external, longitudinally extending flat surface 1 Of, typically two symmetrically opposing flat surfaces llOf, that can extend through the notches 112. As shown the notches 112 are discontinuous about a perimeter of the shaft with opposing perimeter portions of respective notches separated by at least one flat segment 11 Of.
[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the components of the cam C can be assembled together via spaced apart longitudinally extending pins 137, at least one residing on opposite sides of the shaft aperture 138. Although shown as two pins 137, a single pin or more than two pins can be used. In other embodiments, other attachment members or configurations can be used. Additional parts such as a bearing or bearings can be installed between cam components, e.g., components 130, 132 to perform additional cam functions, for example.
[0063] The shaft 110 and/or cam C (e.g., components, 130, 132, 134) can comprise a cast or stamped metal, powder metal and/or metal alloy with a suitable hardness. In some particular embodiments, the shaft 110 is die cast metal with an integral hub 115 and integrally cast notches 112. In some embodiments, the notches 112 can be formed after casting or stamping. The shaft 110 and/or cam C can comprise a non- ferromagnetic material.
[0064] Figure 8A illustrates an enlarged view of an end portion of the shaft 110 to illustrate that the shaft 110 can have a series of tightly spaced apart notches 112 of the same size or various sizes and spacing, typically at least two notches 112 within about 0.025 inches of each other. In some embodiments, notch centerlines can reside within a distance "x" of each other, typically within about 0.050 inches of each other. The distance "x" can be less than or greater than 0.050 inches, including about 0.010 inches, about 0.015 inches, about 0.020 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.030 inches, about 0.035 inches, about 0.040 inches, about 0.045 inches and the like, depending on stack up tolerances allowed and degree of snugly locking engagement to prevent axial movement desired. The tighter or closer the spacing between notches, the tighter the tolerance resolution.
[0065] The shaft 110 can be configured so that 0B- 0A is between about 0.005 to about 0.020 inches, such as about 0.005 inches, about 0.010 inches, about 0.015 inches and about 0.020 inches. The outer wall segment diameter 0B can be the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 110 at a location adjacent the notched segment llOn. In other embodiments, the outer wall segment diameter 0B can be greater or even less than the outer wall diameter of the shaft at a location away from the notched zone.
[0066] The outer wall segment 113 can project a distance "c" beyond an adjacent notch outer wall surface. The distance "c" (or "groove or notch height") can vary or be the same and is typically between about 0.001 to about 0.010 inches, such as about 0.002, about 0.003, about 0.004, about 0.005, about 0.006, about 0.007, about 0.008, about 0.009 and about 0.010 inches (average), for example. In some embodiments, the distance "c" is about 0.005 inches.
[0067] The locking ring 120 can have an inner diameter defined by the innermost free ends that together define the inner diameter of the ring which is sized less than the outer diameter 0B so that the fingers 121 can flex to reside inside a notch 112 while locking against axial movement using the ledge formed by the adjacent outer wall segment 113. The ring 120 can have a solid outer diameter segment and the fingers 121 can extend freely (e.g., have an inwardly facing free end) to provide a desired locking engagement with a respective notch 112. The locking ring can have various outer diameters and can have an inner diameter that is dictated by the size of the cooperating shaft to define an interior edge of the inner free end of the fingers 121. An exemplary self-locking external retaining ring is available from McMaster-Carr® under part number 98430A152 and provides exemplary dimensions.
[0068] Although shown in Figure 8A as a series of six closely spaced notches
112, other numbers of notches may be used such as between 1 -100 notches 112, or between 5-50 notches 112, for example. For example, one notch or more than one notch including, for example, two, three, four, five or six notches or more than six notches may be used, e.g., 6- 10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and the like. Each notch 112 can be spaced apart and separated by pairs of outer protruding wall segments 113. The outer wall segments 113 can have the same width "D" or different widths and the same outer diameter 0B or different outer diameters 0B. The notches 112 can have the same width E and the same diameter 0A or different widths E with the same diameters 0A or different widths E and different diameters 0A.
[0069] Figure 8B is a table illustrating different dimensions and associated pull off forces (pounds/lbs) measured. The notched configuration with the single locking ring 120 provided about a 10X increase in pull out forces over an un-notched shaft of diameters of about 0.875 inches, 0.880 inches and 0.885 inches. The maximum measured pull-off force was obtained using sample 9 with the noted dimensions.
[0070] In some embodiments, the circuit breakers 10 can be DC circuit breakers,
AC circuit breakers, or both AC and DC circuit breakers. 10071] In some particular embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the circuit breaker
10 with the cam assembly 100 with the new shaft 110 and self-locking ring 120 can be an low voltage air circuit breaker such as a MAGNUM low voltage air circuit breaker or a medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker such as the Minivac™ breaker, both are from Eaton Corporation.
[0072] The circuit breakers 10 can be rated for voltages between about 1 V to about 5000 volts (V) DC and/or may have current ratings from about 15 to about 2,500 Amperes (A). However, it is contemplated that the circuit breakers 10 and components thereof can be used for any voltage, current ranges and are not limited to any particular application as the circuit breakers can be used for a broad range of different uses.
[0073] The circuit breakers 10 can be a bi-directional direct current (DC) molded case circuit breaker (MCCB). See, e.g., US Patent Nos. 5, 131,504 and 8,222,983, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. The DC MCCBs can be suitable for many uses such as data center, photovoltaic, and electric vehicles applications.
[0074] As is known to those of skill in the art, Eaton Corporation has introduced a line of molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) designed for commercial and utility scale photovoltaic (PV) systems. Used in solar combiner and inverter applications, Eaton PVGard™ circuit breakers are rated up to 600 amp at 1000 Vdc and can meet or exceed industry standards such as UL 489B, which requires rigorous testing to verify circuit protection that meets the specific requirements of PV systems. However, it is contemplated that the circuit breakers 10 can be used for various applications with corresponding voltage capacity/rating.
[0075] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

THAT WH ICH IS CLAIMED:
1. A cam assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising:
a shaft comprising at least one notch;
a cam held on the shaft; and
at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages a respective one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in an axial position on the shaft.
2. The cam assembly of Claim 1 , further comprising a hub held on the shaft longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one notch, wherein the cam is locked in the axial position on the shaft between the hub and locking ring.
3. The cam assembly of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of closely spaced circumferentially extending notches.
4. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 - 3, wherein centerlines of at least one pair of adjacent notches are spaced apart between about 0.001 inches to about 0.020 inches.
5. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 -4, wherein the cam comprises a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact on the shaft at a desired axial location using the at least one self-locking retaining ring.
6. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 -5, in combination with a circuit breaker having a housing with the cam assembly held inside the housing, and wherein the shaft and cam are non-ferromagnetic cast metal or metal alloy components.
7. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1-6, wherein the at least one notch comprises at least one circumferentially extending notch that is discontinuous about a perimeter of the shaft with opposing perimeter portions of a respective notch being separated by at least one flat segment.
8. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 -7, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of circumferentially extending notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter residing therebetween, and wherein the wall segments have a substantially constant width in a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is between about 0.0.10 and 0.020 inches, on average and the notches have a substantially constant width in the longitudinal direction of the shaft that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
9. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 -8, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of circumferentially extending longitudinally spaced apart external notches with a depth of about 0.005 inches, average, and a substantially constant width in a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is between about 0.010 inches and about 0.015 inches, average.
10. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1-9, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of circumferentially extending external notches spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the shaft with a respective width and with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than a diameter or diameters of the notches residing therebetween, the wall segments having a respective width that is less than the width of the notches.
1 1. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1-9, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of circumferentially extending external notches spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the shaft with a respective width and with wall segments having a greater outer diameter residing therebetween, the wall segments having a respective width that is the same as the width of the notches.
12. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1-9, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of circumferentially extending external notches spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the shaft with a respective width and with wall segments having a greater outer diameter residing therebetween, the wall segments having a respective width that is greater than the width of the notches.
13. The cam assembly of any of Claims 1 - 12, wherein the at least one locking ring engages a respective notch to define an axial pull off force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
14. A mechanism assembly for circuit breaker, comprising:
a cam assembly, comprising:
a shaft comprising at least one circumferentially extending external notch; a cam held on the shaft; and
at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages at least one of the at least one notch to lock the cam in axial position on the shaft; and a rotating contact arm in communication with the cam assembly.
15. The mechanism assembly of Claim 14, wherein the cam comprises a plurality of components in abutting contact on the shaft, and wherein the at least one notch comprise a plurality of notches that are longitudinally spaced apart along the shaft with a pitch that accommodates dimensional build tolerances of the cam components.
16. The mechanism assembly of Claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one notch is a plurality of closely spaced circumferentially extending notches with centerlines of adjacent notches spaced between about 0.001 inches to about 0.020 inches apart.
17. The mechanism assembly of any of Claims 14- 16, wherein the cam comprises a plurality of cooperating components that are held in abutting contact at a defined axial location on the shaft using the at least one locking ring and at least one of the at least one external notch, and wherein the shaft and cam are non-ferromagnetic components.
18. The mechanism assembly of any of Claims 14- 17, wherein the at least one notch has a substantially constant width and is discontinuous in a circumferential direction with opposing perimeter portions separated by at least one flat segment, and wherein the cam is non-ferromagnetic and comprises cast metal or metal alloy components.
19. A shaft comprising:
an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart circumferentially extending external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween, wherein the notches have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average, wherein the shaft is configured to engage a locking ring using at least one of the external notches to lock components in an axial position on the shaft.
20. The shaft of Claim 19, wherein the shaft is non-ferromagnetic, and wherein the notches have a depth of about 0.005 inches, average, and a width between about 0.010 inches and about 0.015 inches, average.
21. The shaft of Claim 19 or 20, in combination with at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages at least one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf.
EP14730394.5A 2013-06-21 2014-05-19 Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers Active EP3011577B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/923,653 US9377091B2 (en) 2013-06-21 2013-06-21 Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers
PCT/US2014/038566 WO2014204605A2 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-05-19 Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3011577A2 true EP3011577A2 (en) 2016-04-27
EP3011577B1 EP3011577B1 (en) 2019-08-07

Family

ID=50942931

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14730394.5A Active EP3011577B1 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-05-19 Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (2) US9377091B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3011577B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6410811B2 (en)
CN (1) CN105474340B (en)
BR (1) BR112015032059A2 (en)
CA (2) CA2915931C (en)
ES (1) ES2749117T3 (en)
MY (1) MY189757A (en)
WO (1) WO2014204605A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD842258S1 (en) * 2016-03-29 2019-03-05 Kevin Somers Electrical circuit breaker charge cam

Family Cites Families (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US141548A (en) * 1873-08-05 Improvement in sectional adjustable slotted cams
US2418757A (en) * 1944-09-15 1947-04-08 Sinclair Collins Valve Company Cam structure
BE491606A (en) * 1948-10-11
US3289494A (en) * 1964-07-10 1966-12-06 Fisher Governor Co Adjusting means for cams and the like
JPS5922313A (en) 1982-07-29 1984-02-04 ティーディーケイ株式会社 Composite part and method of producing same
JPS6034806Y2 (en) * 1982-08-02 1985-10-17 三協鋲螺工業株式会社 spring push nut
IT1238321B (en) * 1990-01-19 1993-07-12 Bremas Spa MODULAR CAMSHAFT WITH REMOVABLE CAMS IN PARTICULAR FOR ELECTRIC OR SIMILAR SWITCHES AND SWITCHES
US5131504A (en) 1991-03-21 1992-07-21 Otis Elevator Company Elevator noise minimizer
US5735171A (en) * 1993-10-26 1998-04-07 Itt Corporation Pivot joint with retainer clip
JP3496286B2 (en) * 1994-09-05 2004-02-09 日本精工株式会社 Tappet roller bearing
JP2891970B2 (en) * 1997-10-17 1999-05-17 株式会社青山製作所 Processing method of wire caulking shaft
US6015959A (en) 1998-10-30 2000-01-18 Eaton Corporation Molded case electric power switches with cam driven, spring powered open and close mechanism
US6064021A (en) 1999-09-08 2000-05-16 Eaton Corporation Clutch assembly for electrical switching apparatus with large compression close spring
NL1014067C2 (en) * 2000-01-12 2001-07-16 Reginald Ir Galestien A method of measuring parameters of internal and external threads and similar grooves using wedge probes.
US7484296B2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2009-02-03 Karl Merz Camshaft and method for producing a camshaft of this type
US7186937B1 (en) 2006-03-30 2007-03-06 Eaton Corporation Rotational backlash compensating cam for stored energy circuit breaker charging motor control
US8222983B2 (en) 2010-12-08 2012-07-17 Eaton Corporation Single direct current arc chamber, and bi-directional direct current electrical switching apparatus employing the same
US8507817B2 (en) 2011-02-16 2013-08-13 Eaton Corporation Latch assembly and electrical switching apparatus including the same
CA2859021A1 (en) * 2011-12-19 2013-06-27 Valley Health System Methods and kits for detecting subjects at risk of having cancer
DE102012209310A1 (en) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-05 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Basic wave for a sliding cam valve drive

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN105474340B (en) 2018-10-26
WO2014204605A3 (en) 2015-05-07
US20160273631A1 (en) 2016-09-22
US10428917B2 (en) 2019-10-01
US9377091B2 (en) 2016-06-28
CN105474340A (en) 2016-04-06
JP6410811B2 (en) 2018-10-24
MY189757A (en) 2022-03-02
CA3180581A1 (en) 2014-12-24
EP3011577B1 (en) 2019-08-07
ES2749117T3 (en) 2020-03-19
JP2016529653A (en) 2016-09-23
US20140373671A1 (en) 2014-12-25
CA3180581C (en) 2025-09-09
WO2014204605A2 (en) 2014-12-24
BR112015032059A2 (en) 2017-07-25
CA2915931C (en) 2023-01-17
CA2915931A1 (en) 2014-12-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11721497B2 (en) Circuit breakers with handle bearing pins
EP2948970B1 (en) Arc runners suitable for dc molded case circuit breakers and related method
US9412548B2 (en) Circuit breakers with handle bearing sleeves
US10483068B1 (en) Switch disconnector systems suitable for molded case circuit breakers and related methods
EP3270395B1 (en) Vibration-limiting device for an apparatus comprising a switchgear and a switching device, such as a circuit breaker, and apparatus comprising said vibration-limiting device
US10428917B2 (en) Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers
US10964500B2 (en) Electromagnetic relay
CA2983734C (en) Circuit breakers with metal arc chutes with reduced electrical conductivity overlay material and related arc chutes
US20160276123A1 (en) Compact dual element fuse unit, module and fusible disconnect switch
EP3011581B1 (en) Circuit breaker with shunt separating cam follower
EP3378081A1 (en) Electrical switching apparatus and clinch joint assembly therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20151218

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180528

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190226

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1165116

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014051268

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191209

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191107

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191107

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1165116

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191207

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191108

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2749117

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20200319

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014051268

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG2D Information on lapse in contracting state deleted

Ref country code: IS

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190807

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230521

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240419

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240418

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20240603

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240418

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240418

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602014051268

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20250519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20250519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20251202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20250519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20250531